The Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (UM) is organizing an evacuation flight for Finns wanting to leave the Middle East, set to depart on Sunday. Ticket sales for the flight are expected to begin on Thursday or Friday, prioritizing families with children and those in particularly vulnerable situations. The flight costs approximately €2,300 per passenger, which has raised eyebrows among Finnish citizens currently in the United Arab Emirates, with some expressing disbelief at the high costs.

Finnish expatriates have voiced their frustrations, particularly regarding the financial burden of evacuating. For a family of five, the total ticket price would be nearly €12,000. One Finnish national questioned the reasonableness of the pricing, suggesting that it was disconnected from the realities they are facing. The Ministry has indicated that the steep costs are largely due to rising fuel prices and insurance costs, emphasizing that the airline determines the ticket pricing, and that passengers are responsible for their own evacuation costs as stated in the Consular Services Act.

Furthermore, the Consular Services Act specifies that the foreign administration is not liable for costs incurred during the evacuation process, which includes expenses related to medical care or other circumstances. This situation highlights the challenges faced by citizens abroad during times of crisis and raises important questions about the support systems in place for those needing assistance to return home securely and affordably.